As soon as Kuiya asked that question, Kageyama hesitated. Even Takeda and Hinata's expressions darkened.
Judging from Kageyama's behavior since joining Karasuno, Ukai could more or less guess what had happened, and his expression grew somber as well.
That question echoed something he himself had once said when he first met Hinata.
At the entrance of the Sendai Gymnasium, that line. "What have you been doing these past three years?"
For some reason, Kageyama found himself recalling what Hinata looked like back then.
But now, he didn't know how to describe those three years. He sank into his own thoughts. Seeing this, Kuiya didn't rush him and simply waited for Kageyama to speak.
Kageyama's gaze fell on Hinata below the stage. The moment he saw him, it felt like something inside him finally settled.
At last, Kageyama spoke.
"A lot happened during those years. It hit me pretty hard… The others at Kitagawa Daiichi didn't really like me. My grandfather passed away during that time, and my older sister gave up volleyball.
It was a really difficult period for me."
Takeda turned his eyes away, unable to look at Kageyama. He was a deeply emotional person, afraid that if he kept looking, he would start crying. He had never imagined that so much had happened during the years Kageyama never spoke about.
To Kageyama now, it sounded like just a few simple sentences, but everyone knew those were things he had truly lived through.
Kuiya let out a sigh, one filled with regret for a fallen genius.
"Kageyama, do you know how people outside talk about you?"
Kageyama stiffened and nodded. Of course he knew. Tsukishima had mocked him about it right when he enrolled. He really didn't want to bring it up.
"What do you think about that?"
"Ahem… They call me the King, a tyrannical King. They're not wrong. That was true. But at Karasuno, I'm not that kind of King."
"Oh? Really?" Kuiya looked at him expectantly.
In the end, Kageyama only replied with a quiet "Yeah," leaving Kuiya momentarily speechless. Kageyama and Hinata really were complete opposites.
Seeing that Kageyama clearly didn't want to continue the topic, Kuiya smoothly shifted the focus.
"Kageyama, I've seen your Freak Quick with Hinata in matches. Your coordination is incredible. Did you grow up together?"
"Pfft." Hinata covered his mouth and snickered below. Growing up with Kageyama? That sounded like a horror story.
Kageyama shook his head with a hint of regret. If only they had been childhood friends.
"We met at the start of the school year. We'd seen each other once before in a match. Back then, we were on opposite sides of the net. We were opponents."
"Huh? Then how are you so in sync?" Kuiya couldn't quite understand. Even without being childhood friends, that level of chemistry usually took years. How could they have just met?
Kageyama pursed his lips.
"If you mean the Freak Quick, then only Hinata on this team can do it. He told me that no matter where I set the ball, he'll spike it. That's all."
…How arrogant.
Kuiya had never expected someone as cute-looking as Hinata to say something so bold. But the more he thought about it, the more vividly he could picture it.
"So, in this match, you took the place of a third-year senior. What are your thoughts?"
Takeda sighed quietly. Mr. Kuiya really had a knack for asking sensitive questions.
When it came to matches, Kageyama was unusually calm.
"I don't have any particular thoughts. Sugawara-senpai was the one who asked the coach. Since I was put on the court, I had to win for his share as well… But we still lost to Aobajosai."
Ukai raised an eyebrow. How did Kageyama know that? He was sure he hadn't let it slip.
At the mention of Aobajosai, Kuiya's eyes lit up again. There were rumors that Kageyama didn't get along with Oikawa. No idea if they were true. Oikawa was also from Kitagawa Daiichi, and by seniority, he was Kageyama's upperclassman.
"Kageyama, what do you think of Oikawa from Aobajosai?" Kuiya asked tentatively.
Hearing Oikawa's name, Kageyama subtly perked up, sat up straight, and spoke in a serious, measured tone.
"Oikawa-senpai is very strong. I can't compare to him. He's someone who even geniuses want to defeat. I also learned my serve from him."
Kuiya clicked his tongue slightly. He had hoped for some drama, but it seemed the rumors were unreliable. Well, one last question. After this, there was still another eager kid waiting.
Hinata's excited gaze was practically burning through him. Kuiya felt helpless. This kid really had endless energy.
"Kageyama, is there anything you'd like to say to everyone at Karasuno?"
Kageyama opened his mouth, but the words wouldn't come out. His feelings toward Karasuno were complicated.
Back when he failed the Shiratorizawa entrance exam and chose Karasuno, Oikawa had been deeply disappointed. He believed only a powerhouse like Shiratorizawa could make someone stronger, and Karasuno didn't meet that expectation.
But after spending time here, Kageyama felt incredibly lucky he had come to Karasuno.
Everyone was very accepting of him. Except for that sharp-tongued guy with glasses. But even he was soft-hearted underneath.
When conflicts happened, he wasn't isolated. The seniors patiently helped him resolve things and told him what to do next time. Ever since his grandfather passed away, no one had guided him like that.
The seniors at Karasuno filled that role.
In such a short time, the warmth they gave him was something he had never felt during his three years of middle school. They taught him how to express himself, how to speak properly, and cared about his condition every day. Like family.
His classmates were straightforward too. No one played petty isolation games. If there was a problem, it was settled on the spot. Hinata was like the sun, constantly shining warmth on him. Yamaguchi was attentive. Tsukishima acted like he didn't care, but would still remind him to trim his nails.
Takeda-sensei was kind as well. He quietly checked if Kageyama had eaten breakfast, stopped Coach Ukai from smoking in the gym, and helped Kageyama join conversations when he struggled.
At Karasuno, Kageyama's reserved personality was accepted and allowed to grow.
"Everyone at Karasuno… is great. I hope we can keep gathering like this in the future."
With so many thoughts in his heart, that was all he managed to say.
He was truly grateful to be part of Karasuno. Every day felt almost unreal, like a dream.
Takeda sighed and smiled helplessly. Kageyama looked intimidating, but why was he so stiff when he spoke?
Kuiya nodded, signaling the end of the interview. Only then did Kageyama stand up, finally relieved. His face had turned red at some point. Clearly embarrassed. Even though he hadn't said anything sentimental out loud, in his mind, it felt like he had already said it all.
The moment Hinata saw Kageyama finish, he sprang up so fast he knocked over his chair. Ukai looked completely speechless. This kid was way too reckless.
"Mr. Kuiya!"
The energetic voice gave him away immediately.
Hinata jogged over, his eyes practically shouting. It's my turn, right? It's my turn now! Why isn't it my turn yet!
Kuiya laughed and nodded, signaling that Hinata was next. Hinata quietly cheered and started circling the interview chair excitedly.
Kageyama felt a bit annoyed. Since when had this idiot been this enthusiastic with other people?
After Kageyama, the interview flowed straight into Hinata's turn. Since Hinata had been watching the whole time, it went smoothly.
Takeda felt a bit uneasy. Hinata was too energetic. What if he said something inappropriate? It really gave him a headache.
Kageyama stood beside Takeda, then went to pick up the small stool Hinata had knocked over. The two of them stood there like guardians.
Kuiya didn't even need a script for Hinata. Hinata naturally brought energy to any conversation. No matter the question, he responded with full sincerity.
Kuiya asked a question he had once asked Tenma Udai.
"Hinata, everyone knows that middle blockers are usually tall. As one of the few shorter players, why did you choose this position? Do you feel a lot of pressure?"
Back then, Udai had already become famous and was somewhat proud. His answer had been simple.
"I can bring victory to the team."
That was it.
What would Hinata say?
Hinata's face flushed red as he hurried to respond. Kageyama glared at Kuiya from below. When Kuiya crossed the line with his questions earlier, he hadn't noticed. But now, even a small issue felt like bullying Hinata.
Kuiya broke into a cold sweat but kept his professional smile. The pressure from a genius setter was no joke.
Takeda sighed and stepped outside, unable to deal with the two troublemakers anymore. The smoke inside was giving him a headache. Besides, he could already guess Hinata's answer.
The first sentence would definitely be. "Height doesn't determine whether I can play volleyball."
Hinata looked at Kuiya seriously.
"Height doesn't determine whether I can play volleyball, or what position I play."
Takeda didn't hesitate as he stepped outside. Just as expected.
He leaned by the door, leaving it slightly open, listening from outside.
Kuiya was taken aback. This was completely different from Udai's answer. For a moment, he had almost mistaken Hinata for that arrogant genius. But Hinata wasn't like that.
"I've always struggled with my height. I started playing volleyball despite it, and I've been mocked many times. But I really love volleyball. I love spiking, and I love winning."
"I want to be the ace, but we already have Azumane-senpai. That's fine. I can be a middle blocker. The pressure is big, but I can't make everyone wait for me to improve. I just have to work harder. I want to show that even shorter players have their own way to play. Volleyball shouldn't be limited by height."
For Hinata, who struggled academically, even using the word "limited" was rare.
Watching him speak so passionately, Kuiya found himself drifting.
Hinata's energy and conviction made people believe he really could become the ace someday.
"I've heard many people at Karasuno say you're very talented. What do you think?"
Hinata blushed. He hadn't expected people to praise him behind his back.
"I don't really have talent. I just jump high and move fast. Those things seem normal for taller players, but when I do them, people call it talent. It's not that amazing."
He was happy, but he genuinely didn't think it was a big deal.
Seeing his expression, Kuiya realized he truly meant it.
With that mindset, that energy, and his natural physical ability, Hinata would go far.
It was just a shame. His height.
But maybe… he could become the next Small Giant.
Ever since Udai's sudden rise, the title "Small Giant" had echoed all over Miyagi. Every shorter player dreamed of becoming that, only to fall short again and again.
This boy, wearing the same number ten jersey as Udai. How far would he go?
Kuiya found himself genuinely looking forward to it. Something he hadn't felt when interviewing Udai.
"What kind of person do you want to become in the future?" Kuiya asked, his tone softer now.
Somehow, his professional guard had quietly melted away in Hinata's presence.
Hinata grinned, his smile bright like the sun.
"I'm going to become a great adult. Just like the Small Giant, I'll stand on the court at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and compete against countless strong players!"
Such a simple dream.
Kuiya nodded, feeling satisfied. Without realizing it, he was already treating Hinata like a junior he cared about.
"Finally, what would you like to say to others who are also short but still want to play volleyball?"
...
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